BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education worldwide, prompting a rapid shift to emergency remote teaching that challenged students’ learning and mental health. Nursing students, in particular, faced heightened pressures due to the suspension or online adaptation of essential clinical experiences, alongside the need to master theoretical and practical competencies. Emerging evidence indicates that such stressors adversely affect students’ emotional and psychological well-being, potentially influencing academic outcomes. Understanding the relationship between mental health and academic performance among nursing students is crucial for developing targeted interventions that support their well-being and professional readiness.

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed the mental health status and academic performance of graduating nursing students during the challenging period of remote learning amid the pandemic in a government school in Leyte.

METHODS

The study utilized a descriptive correlational design to explore the relationships between mental health status and academic performance among nursing students. A modified self-administered questionnaire was utilized to gather data. Ethical approval from Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development ConsortiumEthics Review with ERC number 2023-024 was secured, and data collection occurred through various methods. Data analysis used SPSS version 24, emphasizing the importance of understanding these relationships in educational settings.

RESULTS

The study assessed the demographic profile, online learning attributes, mental health status, and academic performance of 20 nursing students during the pandemic. All students passed their courses, despite reporting moderate emotional loneliness and irritability, but minimal fear of COVID-19. Significant correlations were found between demographic factors and mental health indicators. The null hypothesis, suggesting no relationship between demographic factors and mental health, is void, as significant associations were identified. Recommendations include enhancing mental health support in nursing education to address these challenges.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the experiences of 20 nursing students from a government college in Leyte during the COVID-19 pandemic. Predominantly young women from rural, low-income backgrounds, these students faced challenges like poor internet access but successfully completed their academic requirements, showcasing resilience. While they reported low fear of COVID-19, moderate emotional loneliness and irritability indicated underlying mental health issues. The findings stress the need for educational institutions to provide mental health support and address the digital divide to enhance student well-being and success.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Statistics As Topic ; Psychological Well-being ; Indicators And Reagents ; Students, Nursing ; Suspensions ; Academic Performance ; Learning ; Pandemics ; Nursing ; Education, Nursing ; Covid-19 ; Mental Health

OBJECTIVES

This study explored the interplay of three Filipino cultural values—hiya (modesty/self-restraint), pakikisama (conflict-avoidance dimension of social harmony), and pakikipag-ugnayan (professional engagement, characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption)—among Generation Z nurses in Quezon City. Specifically, it assessed their levels, examined interrelationships through correlation and path analysis, and developed a framework to illustrate their influence on nursing practice. In the Filipino context, hiya encompasses both positive dimensions, such as conscientiousness, moral accountability, and social responsibility, and constraining dimensions, including excessive self-restraint, fear of criticism, and inhibition. Pakikisama, while fostering harmony, may discourage assertiveness and limit open communication. Pakikipag-ugnayan, conceptualized here as engagement, reflects dedication, vigor, and absorption, which are vital for performance, patient safety, and workforce retention.

METHODS

A descriptive–correlational design was utilized to assess the relationships among hiya, pakikisama, and pakikipag-ugnayan. Data were gathered through a structured, self-administered questionnaire comprising validated scales for each construct, distributed in online formats to accommodate participants’ availability and work schedules. The purposive sample consisted of 115 Filipino Generation Z nurses engaged in direct patient care in various healthcare facilities in Quezon City. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics to summarize variable scores, Spearman’s rho to examine bivariate correlations, and path analysis to determine the direct and indirect effects among the variables. The results of the path analysis were used to develop a proposed framework illustrating the interplay of these cultural values in nursing practice.

RESULTS

Path analysis revealed distinct patterns in the interplay of hiya, pakikisama, and pakikipag-ugnayan among Generation Z nurses in Quezon City. Very high hiya scores (mean = 5.32) reflected both moral accountability and restraint-oriented tendencies. Despite these positive indicators, hiya showed a negative correlation with pakikipag-ugnayan, suggesting that its inhibiting side—marked by fear of criticism and avoidance of mistakes—may overshadow its constructive moral aspects. In contrast, the path analysis identified a moderate positive direct effect between hiya and pakikipag-ugnayan (β = 0.400, pCONCLUSION

Among Generation Z nurses, hiya demonstrates a dual role: while its ethical and conscientious aspects can strengthen pakikipag-ugnayan, its inhibiting side may suppress pakikipag-ugnayan. Pakikisama, operationalized as conflict avoidance and withholding dissent, emerged as a barrier to pakikipag-ugnayan by discouraging open communication. These findings informed the development of the Hiya–Pakikisama– Pakikipag-ugnayan Cultural Dynamics Framework, which illustrates how cultural values can simultaneously enable and constrain professional engagement. The framework has potential applications in nursing education and organizational practice, particularly in designing reflective learning, mentorship, and communication strategies that balance cultural sensitivity with assertiveness. Further validation across generations and healthcare settings is recommended to refine its applicability.

Human ; Weights And Measures ; Sensitivity And Specificity ; Retention (psychology) ; Education, Nursing ; Social Responsibility ; Appointments And Schedules ; Conflict (psychology)

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education worldwide, prompting a rapid shift to emergency remote teaching that challenged students’ learning and mental health. Nursing students, in particular, faced heightened pressures due to the suspension or online adaptation of essential clinical experiences, alongside the need to master theoretical and practical competencies. Emerging evidence indicates that such stressors adversely affect students’ emotional and psychological well-being, potentially influencing academic outcomes. Understanding the relationship between mental health and academic performance among nursing students is crucial for developing targeted interventions that support their well-being and professional readiness.

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed the mental health status and academic performance of graduating nursing students during the challenging period of remote learning amid the pandemic in a government school in Leyte.

METHODS

The study utilized a descriptive correlational design to explore the relationships between mental health status and academic performance among nursing students. A modified self-administered questionnaire was utilized to gather data. Ethical approval from Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development ConsortiumEthics Review with ERC number 2023-024 was secured, and data collection occurred through various methods. Data analysis used SPSS version 24, emphasizing the importance of understanding these relationships in educational settings.

RESULTS

The study assessed the demographic profile, online learning attributes, mental health status, and academic performance of 20 nursing students during the pandemic. All students passed their courses, despite reporting moderate emotional loneliness and irritability, but minimal fear of COVID-19. Significant correlations were found between demographic factors and mental health indicators. The null hypothesis, suggesting no relationship between demographic factors and mental health, is void, as significant associations were identified. Recommendations include enhancing mental health support in nursing education to address these challenges.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the experiences of 20 nursing students from a government college in Leyte during the COVID-19 pandemic. Predominantly young women from rural, low-income backgrounds, these students faced challenges like poor internet access but successfully completed their academic requirements, showcasing resilience. While they reported low fear of COVID-19, moderate emotional loneliness and irritability indicated underlying mental health issues. The findings stress the need for educational institutions to provide mental health support and address the digital divide to enhance student well-being and success.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Statistics As Topic ; Psychological Well-being ; Indicators And Reagents ; Students, Nursing ; Suspensions ; Academic Performance ; Learning ; Pandemics ; Nursing ; Education, Nursing ; Covid-19 ; Mental Health

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to synthesize existing literature on nursing informatics (NI) and propose updates to the Philippine Nursing Informatics curriculum that embrace current trends and integrate a globally acknowledged framework.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted on PubMed and ScienceDirect. This search identified 79 articles, of which only eight met the inclusion criteria. The Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform (TIGER) initiative provided the framework for analyzing the literature review outcomes and for developing the revised course structure for the Nursing Informatics (NI) curriculum in the Philippines.

RESULTS

The revised course outline incorporated 31 topics across the six domains outlined by the TIGER framework. Upon comparison, it was found that numerous topics identified were absent from the existing NI curriculum in the Philippines. Key subjects identified for inclusion encompass research, examination of standards and terminologies, application in community health, cybersecurity, project management, and advocacy. These areas hold particular relevance for the Philippines, attributed to the limited recognition of NI and the ongoing advancements related to technological applications in healthcare.

CONCLUSION

The nursing informatics curriculum in the Philippines is not up to date, failing to align with global NI standards. It is recommended that a thorough revision and enhancement be undertaken to ensure alignment with international frameworks and current industry practices.

Human ; Nursing Informatics ; Education, Nursing ; Curriculum ; Review ; Philippines

INTRODUCTION

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program spans four years and includes general education and professional courses. Student nurses attend lecture hours, clinical duties, and related learning experiences that might be affecting their time in attending to a healthy lifestyle. Health-promoting lifestyle is a multi-dimensional pattern of activities and perceptions that begins with self-motivation and assists in promoting self-improvement and health. The domains of health-promoting lifestyle are essential factors to further improve their way of dealing with daily challenges. Multiple factors can also influence student nurses’ lifestyles, including their separation from family, busy schedules, and dietary choices. A study highlights various factors affecting student nurses' lifestyles, underscoring the need for tailored health promotion strategies and curriculum enhancements. Research into these domains can better equip future healthcare leaders. Gender, year level, and living arrangements influence student nurses' lifestyles, prompting researchers to investigate the extent of health-promoting lifestyles among them and differences based on these factors. By addressing these domains and conducting further research, nursing education and practice can better prepare future healthcare leaders to promote health and lifestyle effectively within their communities.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the extent of health-promoting lifestyle among student nurses and identify the significant differences according to gender, year level, and living arrangement. 

METHODS

A quantitative, descriptive research design was used with 360 respondents, employing Yamane’s formula and quota sampling. The study adopted the Health-Promoting Lifestyle II questionnaire with a validity of 0.962.

RESULTS

Student nurses often engage in health promoting behaviors (mean=2.56). Male student nurses reported higher scores in health responsibility, physical activity, spiritual growth, and stress management compared to female students (p=0.40). Level IV students engaged in health-promoting activities more frequently than Level I students (p=0.74). Living arrangements did not significantly impact health-promoting lifestyles (p=0.99).

CONCLUSION

No significant difference in health-promoting lifestyles among student nurses. Respondents demonstrated the least health-promoting lifestyle behaviors in the domains of health responsibility, nutrition, and physical activity. In contrast, spiritual growth, interpersonal relations, and stress management attained the highest mean scores.

Human ; Physical Activity ; Exercise ; Interpersonal Relations ; Students, Nursing ; Life Style

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

With the global population aging, there is an emerging need for access to quality longterm care (LTC) services. Many countries have developed LTC systems while others are at the infancy stage. This paper aimed to provide an overview of the country’s readiness for LTC based on the perspectives of relevant stakeholders. Specifically, it described the roles, initiatives, and challenges of relevant organizations and community leaders for LTC provision. It also described the older persons (OPs) and carers’ perspectives towards LTC including their awareness, capacity, and preferences.

METHODS

The study utilized a descriptive design using qualitative methods of data collection namely key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Participating institutions and their designated representatives were purposively sampled as key informants. OPs and carers from select barangays in NCR and Region IVA participated in the FGDs. Guided by the interpretivism approach, thematic analysis was performed. A trained research assistant coded the FGD and KII transcripts through the Nvivo PRO plus software and verified by the first author. Themes were reviewed and validated by the multidisciplinary team.

RESULTS

A total of 15 KIIs and two FGDs were conducted. The participating institutions and organizations were found to have varied roles and initiatives relevant to LTC; from strategic planning, development of policies and standards of care, training and capacity-building, and up to the actual implementation of LTC services. Identified challenges include implementation issues, financial issues, lack of political and stakeholder support, OPs and familial issues, and lack of knowledge on LTC.

Participants shared their description on what LTC is, an LTC facility, and the conditions of those in LTC facility. OPs expressed their willingness to utilize LTC services and identified several factors related to their preferred LTC arrangements. Carers identified various topics related to taking care of OPs that they would like to learn.

CONCLUSION

The roles, initiatives, and awareness of relevant stakeholders, older persons, and carers towards LTC were found to greatly vary. Policy makers, health workforce, families, communities, and the older persons themselves should have a better understanding of longterm care before they can provide or utilize the system. With the current landscape of LTC provision, the country still has a long way to go in achieving the integrated continuum of LTC appropriate to promote healthy aging. Promoting awareness, integrating LTC in the current programs and services for older persons in the country, capacitating the formal and non-formal caregivers, and strengthening collaborations are recommended.

Further research on quantitative measures of readiness for long-term care with focus on the health system and in-depth studies on the varieties or models of long-term care are recommended.

Home Care Services ; Long-term Care ; Nursing Homes ; Philippines

Ethics ; Nursing

Nursing leadership and scholarship in the Philippines have evolved alongside the country's shifting socio-political and educational landscape. This feature article presents a first-person narrative of a nurse leader's journey from humble beginnings in Santiago, Isabela, to national and global leadership roles in education, regulation, and advocacy. This article aimed to illustrate how personal vocation, grounded in service and faith, can transform into professional leadership and scholarship that shape institutions, influence policy, and nurture future generations of Filipino nurses. Using autobiographical lens, I recounted formative experiences across clinical practice, education, administration, and regulation. These reflections are interwoven with leadership theories and scholarly evidence from global nursing literature that demonstrate how enduring principles such as servant leadership, integrity, resilience, compassion, and mentorship can guide professional practice. This narrative highlighted milestones such as pioneering collegiate nursing education at UERMMC, spearheading faculty and curricular reforms as Dean, championing ethical practice during the nursing licensure examination scandal, and advancing professional regulation through initiatives like the Career Progression and Specialization Program. It also underscored the role of resilience in overcoming personal affliction, the importance of mentorship in sustaining legacy, and the impact of integrity in safeguarding nursing's credibility. From the parable of the mustard seed to the reality of nation-building through nursing, this life story affirmed that leadership and scholarship are not individual achievements but collective legacies. By embracing lifelong learning, ethical practice and a commitment to national service, Filipino nurses can continue to grow as competent practitioners, compassionate caregivers, and visionary leaders who contribute to equitable and sustainable health systems. In telling this story, I also sought to situate my journey within the broader context of nursing leadership in the Philippines, where enduring challenges and emerging opportunities continue to call for vision, resilience, and integrity.

Human ; Scholarship ; Fellowships And Scholarships ; Resilience ; Resilience, Psychological ; Regulation ; Social Control, Formal ; Mentorships ; Mentors ; Education, Nursing ; Philippines

Public health nurses (PHNs) in the Philippines play a vital role in advancing Universal Health Care and Primary Health Care by serving as frontline leaders in community engagement, health promotion, and policy implementation. Despite their contributions, they face persistent challenges, including workforce shortages, wage disparities, hospital-centric education, and fragmented governance. Drawing from a reflexive narrative of community-based practice and organizational experience, this article situated the evolving role of PHNs within broader health systems transformation. The National Association of Public Health Nurses, Inc. (NAPHNI) established a unified platform for advocacy, leadership development, and recognition of advanced practice roles. Policy reforms such as a National Nursing Workforce Plan, passage of the Comprehensive Nursing Bill, and competitive compensation were imperative to empower PHNs. Strengthening public health nursing was discovered to be crucial in achieving health equity and a resilient healthcare system in the Philippines.

Human ; Public Health Nursing ; Universal Health Care ; Primary Health Care ; Health Equity

This integrative article explored how nurse-researchers craft and negotiate researcher identity through reflexivity. Drawing on three reflexive narratives situated across distinct practice and career contexts, including academe and military nursing, this article synthesized how personal histories, professional roles, and methodological training intersect in order to shape how one becomes a researcher. Guided by Benner's novice-to-expert lens and contemporary discussions on positionality and reflexive practice, this article's synthesis surfaced recurring themes: identity-in-motion rather than identity-as-status; persistence and vulnerability as engines of growth; insider–outsider movements and the ethical responsibilities being invited; and methodological pluralism as a value stance that links rigor with relevance and care. The narratives also illuminated how institutional cultures, resource constraints, and role expectations contour opportunities for inquiry, while reflexive writing functions as both method and pedagogy, supporting integrity, accountability, and epistemic fluency. It was argued in this article that cultivating researcher identity in nursing requires spaces that normalize doubt, foreground values, and make visible the relational, moral, and political textures of knowledge production. Implications included embedding explicit reflexivity and positionality work in curricula, mentoring, and research supervision; recognizing mixed-methods and qualitative approaches as complementary pathways to impact and to align institutional supports with nurses' dual commitments for both practice and scholarship. In this article, the process of becoming a nurse-researcher had been shown to be a continual practice of courage, reflexivity, and commitment that is by doing it, and learning it, until nurse-researchers make it.

Human ; Qualitative Research ; Military Nursing